Presidential Proclamation - Donald J. Trump

Official Portrait of President Donald J. Trump

During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate our Nation's strong American Jewish heritage, rooted in the ancient faith and traditions of the Jewish people. The small band of Dutch Jews who first immigrated in 1654, seeking refuge and religious liberty, brought with them their families, their religion, and their cherished customs, which they have passed on from generation to generation. The moral and ethical code of the Jewish people is inspired by their spiritual vocation of "tikkun olam" ‑‑ the charge to repair the world. Through that vocation, the Jewish people have left an indelible mark on American culture. Today, it is manifested in the towering success Jewish people have achieved in America through a unique synthesis of respect for heritage and love of country.

Escaping religious persecution and ethnic violence and seeking political freedom and economic opportunity, American Jews, over centuries, have held firm in the belief that the United States was "Di Goldene Medina" ‑‑ the Golden Country. Those who moved here built houses and gardens, raised families, and launched businesses. They have pursued education to advance their mission to make the world a better place. In every aspect of the country's cultural, spiritual, economic, and civic life, American Jews have stood at the forefront of the struggles for human freedom, equality, and dignity, helping to shine a light of hope to people around the globe.

The achievements of American Jews are felt throughout American society and culture, in every field and in every profession. American Jews have built institutions of higher learning, hospitals, and manifold cultural and philanthropic organizations. American Jews have even brought us our greatest superheroes ‑‑ Captain America, Superman, and Batman. American Jews have composed some of our defining national hymns like God Bless America, timeless musicals like The Sound of Music, and even famous Christmas songs. From Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to Albert Einstein, Richard Rodgers to Irving Berlin, Jerry Siegel to Bill Finger, Mel Brooks to Don Rickles, and Levi Strauss to Elie Wiesel, American Jews have transformed all aspects of American life and continue to enrich the American spirit.

This month, I celebrate with my family ‑‑ including my daughter, Ivanka, my son-in-law, Jared, my grandchildren, and our extended family ‑‑ the deep spiritual connection that binds, and will always bind, the Jewish people to the United States and its founding principles. We recognize the faith and optimism exemplified by American Jews is what truly makes America "The Golden Country," and we express our Nation's gratitude for this great, strong, prosperous, and loving people.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2017 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Jews and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of April, in the year two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

From Proclamation April 28, 2017

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

Presidential Proclamation - Barack Obama

Official portrait of President Barack Obama on Jan. 13, 2009.(Photo by Pete Souza)

For thousands of years, the Jewish people have sustained their identity and traditions, persevering in the face of persecution. Through generations of enslavement and years of wandering, through forced segregation and the horrors of the Holocaust, they have maintained their holy covenant and lived according to the Torah.

The Jewish people’s pursuit of freedom brought multitudes to our shores, and today our country is the proud home to millions of Jewish Americans. This month, let us honor their tremendous contributions — as scientists and artists, as activists and entrepreneurs. And let all of us find inspiration in a story that speaks to the universal human experience, with all of its suffering and all of its salvation.

From Proclamation 9109 of April 30, 2014

BARACK OBAMA

44th President of the United States

Presidential Proclamation - George W. Bush

Official Portrait of President George W. Bush 2003-01-14 (Photo credit: Eric Draper)

Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and faith of Jewish Americans and their contributions to our Nation.

The story of the Jewish people in America is the story of America itself. When the first Jewish settlers arrived on our shores hundreds of years ago, they saw a land of promise and liberty. With hard work and determination, these individuals helped build our country and strengthen our values. Their commitment to religious freedom and their belief in democracy have enriched our society and helped make our country a beacon of hope for all.

Many Jewish Americans have served in our military with valor and distinction in times of war and peace. We pay special tribute to all those who stepped forward when our country needed them most. These American heroes confronted grave dangers to protect our Nation.

During Jewish American Heritage Month and throughout the year, we honor Jewish Americans who played an integral role in shaping the cultural fabric of our Nation. Their spirit and talents have helped America succeed and prosper, and their efforts continue to remind us of the many blessings of this great country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2008 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to honor Jewish Americans across the country.

From Proclamation 8248 of April 29, 2008

GEORGE W. BUSH

43rd President of the United States

Senate Resolution - 114th Congress

Whereas in May of each year, people across the United States recognize and celebrate over 350 years of Jewish contributions to the United States through recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month;

Whereas, in the words of President Ronald Reagan, ‘‘[a]t this time of year, it is appropriate for all Americans to acknowledge how much our country has benefitted from the contributions of American Jews’’;

Whereas the United States has always been a nation built on the achievements of immigrants, and Jewish Americans have strengthened the society of the United States and contributed significantly to all areas of life in the United States since the time when Jewish immigrants first arrived on the shores of the United States;

Whereas the success of Jewish Americans is a reminder of the gift of religious freedom and the importance of strong commitment to community and faith;

Whereas countless Jewish Americans and organizations have enriched the society of the United States and shaped, this great country, including… Jewish Americans who fight for justice on behalf of those least able to defend themselves; [and] Jewish Americans who are devoted to advancing civil rights for all people of the United States;… [and] Aish HaTorah International, the largest Jewish outreach organization of its kind in the world…

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SENATE

(1) Recognizes May 2015 as Jewish American Heritage Month and will celebrate Jewish American heritage on May 20, 2015; and

(2) Expresses appreciation for the significant contributions made by Jewish Americans to the United States of America.